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Operations Manager
Operations Manager – Distribution-Led Organisation [Partnered hiring by Hays Specialist Recruitment]
About the Role
Hays is partnering with a fast-growing, aspiration-driven organisation within the distribution sector to recruit a Senior Operations Manager. This is a strategic hire to fortify procurement, operational efficiency, and business control as the company scales.
Key Focus Areas
This dynamic, business-driven role demands cross-functional expertise with a commercial viewpoint. As the Operations Manager, you will lead:
- Procurement strategy, leveraging commercial acumen to sharpen expenditure decisions and enhance supplier relationships
- Operational excellence by refining systems (ERP, warehousing) and forecasting accuracy to optimise stock levels
- End-to-end compliance, including contract oversight, health & safety standards, and internal controls policed to reduce risk
- Stakeholder influence—partnering with leadership to champion efficiency, risk mitigation, and strategic growth initiatives
Responsibilities
Procurement Expansion
- Develop a structured, data-driven procurement approach to improve supplier performance
- Align purchasing with demand forecasts and drive cost-saving initiatives via negotiated contracts
- Transform stock management with dynamic reporting and KPI-based performance tracking
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Operational Transformation
- Streamline warehouse operations with clearer processes, standardised metrics, and scalable systems
- Introduce or enhance efficient operational controls, leveraging ERP tools for real-time performance visibility
Compliance & Business Resilience
- Oversee contract compliance, policy implementation, and mitigate business risk (Health & Safety, governance)
- Collaborate across departments to embed operational discipline and support compliance obligations
Requirements
- 10+ years’ experience in procurement, supply chain, or operational senior leadership
- Proven supplier negotiation and commercial decision-making track record
- Hands-on expertise in forecasting, stock control, and inventory optimisation techniques
- Ability to analyse large datasets and apply insights for measurable business impact
- Experience implementing/nurturing processes, systems, or operational policies
- Strong dynamic leadership: adept at influencing cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders
- Team management: experience leading or mentoring staff in operational environments
- Technical aptitude with ERP systems and fumble-free reporting tools (Excel, analytics platforms)
- Deep understanding of compliance frameworks, risk assessment, and health & safety protocols
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Lifestyle & Growth
- Competitive salary + performance incentives
- Strategic influence:shape operations at a leadership level
- Direct collaboration with Board-level teams for forward-thinking decisions
- Invested support for professional development and continuous improvement
Next Steps
🔘 Apply now via Hays portal or call for a confidential career conversation. 🔘 Condition: Accepts Hays’s Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimer; accessible on our website hays.co.uk
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